300 SALMO.\ FISHING IS CANADA. 



goTgeousness of the skins of many fishes is a point of attraction 

 between the genders, keeping up the grcgariousness of the dif- 

 ferent families amidst the vast aqueous spaces they traverse. 

 However tliis may be, the painted skin of tlie fish, considered 

 merely as ornamental, harmonises with the rich fur of the quad- 

 ruped, the lirilliant phimage of the bird, the umbrageous foliage 

 and blossomi)ig glory of the tree ; and, above all, the exquisite 

 adornment of the flower. All should be viewed as boons from the 

 gi-eat Source of measureless beneficence. We can conceive that 

 a dull monotonous uniformity of shape, and sombre, melancholy 

 colom-s, might have characterised the animal and vegetable 

 kingdoms ; but it has pleased tlie Deitjf to fill the heavens and 

 the earth, and e-s'en the waters under the earth, with beaut}', and 

 to confer on his rational creature, man, the capacity to compirehend 

 and enjoy it. 



Conspicuous amongst the finny tribes, as well for the cjuality of 

 tlie delicious flesh, as for great elegance of colouring and symme- 

 try of f)rm, are the Sahiwiiitv or Salmon famil)' : but principally, 

 according to ni)' conception, is the Salmo Salar or common 

 salmon, which lias been approjiriately placed I13' Cu^'ier, at their 

 head. In fact, we can scarcely conceive anything more perfect 

 than the tout eitseinblc of this noble fish, lie is moulded in 

 accordance with our notions of great muscular strength, com- 

 bined with remarkable lightness of outline: and every C|uality of 

 the animal corresponds "with his appearance. His tunic of rich 

 silver tissue is in the chastest taste ; his movements in his own 

 element are peculiarl}' easy and graceful : he is flistidious in his 

 food, as a fish of such high blood ought to be ; but he can on 

 emergency Ijear hunger well, and even total abstinence for a long 

 period without injury. His spirit is ardent, adventm-ous, and 

 persevering, and his speed is great. 



It has been my fortune to be conversant -witli the habits of tlie 

 salmon from early youth, in a river m the north of Ireland, on the 



